How to Treat Bunions? We see many patients that come in complaining that they have a bump at the base of their big toe that becomes larger over time and causes them a lot of pain

Finding shoes, standing, and even walking can be painful when you have a bump at the base of your big toe joint, also known as a bunion. Bunions are one of the most common big toe problems. Your toe joint supports a lot of your body’s weight, which makes it an easy area to become the receiving end of some major pain and deformity. Luckily, there are many treatments to relieve the discomfort from this misaligned joint. If your little toe is going through a similar change, you could have a bunionette.

In fact, our office helps patients with bunions on a regular basis. You no longer need to deal with hobbling around in pain. Find out why your bunion may have developed and what can be done about this bony bump.

How Did This Happen?

There are several factors that can result in your big toe leaning inward and the joint protruding out the side of your foot. An inherited faulty foot structure is generally the most common factors that makes people prone to this foot deformity. Secondarily, wearing tight, pointed-toe shoes is another aggravating factor that can make a bunion problem worsen a lot quicker. When the structure of the foot is not correct, it often results in a muscle imbalance in the foot as well. This affects how your foot is able to bear and shift weight when your foot strikes the ground.

Over time, the joint can swell with friction and stress, making the bump even bigger. The bump can rub against footwear, making it painful to wear anything but house slippers. Complications like calluses, hammertoes, bursitis, and corns are common side effects of a bunion problem.

Can it be Fixed?

To start, there isn’t a quick, easy fix to get rid of a bunion problem. They are progressive in nature and tend to worsen over time without treatment. If you are in the beginning stages, the best thing you can do is ensure that you always wear wider, well-fitting, supportive footwear that do not squeeze your toes together. Custom orthotic inserts can be very beneficial in stabilizing and cushioning the forefoot.

Taping and padding the big toe can control the alignment of the joint and help it from rubbing against the inside of your shoes. Physical therapy can also help with range of motion to ensure that the joint remains flexible.

The sooner you have your bunions treated, the more likely that conservative efforts will be effective in eliminating your pain and allowing you to continue your daily activities. Should you be far beyond this point with a severe and painful deformity, there are surgical options to realign the toe and bring comfort and function back to the foot.

In addition to the pain, bunions are a somewhat unsightly deformity of the foot. They can limit your mobility and make it difficult to wear shoes. You don’t have to resign to living with pain or simply accept discomfort. Many avoid treatment for fear that surgery is the only option. Dr. Harvey Danciger is an expert in conservative treatments for all foot and ankle problems and will create the best treatment plan for you. Contact Harvey R. Danciger, DPM in Palm Desert, CA, for an appointment. Call (760) 568-0108 or fill out the appointment request form online to reach us.